Eternal Flame

Disclaimer: I don\'t own the G Boys, I just borrow them from time to time and return them a whole lot happier ne? :) I do however own Shane, Paul, Colin, Mickey, Benny, Toby, Fayah and any other unfamiliar characters that crop up. I also own the plot if you can call it that.

Rating: NC 17

Warnings: Sap, angst, OC, Lemon, Lime, abuse, violence, language.

Pairings: 1x2x1, 3x4x3, 5xS, OC x OC and maybe some more... check each part to be sure ;)

Archive: http://gundam-wing-diaries.150m.com
http://sweetlysour.net
http://www.adult-fanfiction.org
http://www.theforsakenwk.com/

Status: Work in progress.

Beta: DBZVelena, Yami_Tai & Ryouga... *huggles*

Author: ShenLong

Authors notes: *sigh* Well here I am again caving into pressure. I know it has taken a while to get to this and for that I apologize but I could not come up with a plot I deemed worthy enough.... until now. This is yet another sequel... this time to United Hearts. I did promise I would write the wedding for you all and I intend to do that. For those that haven\'t read United or Lost Souls I recommend that you do, otherwise this sequel will not make much sense. All of your favorite characters are back and up to as much mischief as possible.
This is set fourteen months after the end of United and all the children are older now. The Gundam Pilots are all 20yrs, Shane and Fayah are 16, Paul is 15, Colin is 14, Mickey is 12, Benny is 10 1/2 aot fot forgetting that little rascal Toby who is 10.
Thank you to all those who supported me through the writing of United, I hope you enjoy this just as much.

\"Eternal Flame\"

Started April 2003 - ShenLong

Chapter 29

During the short to to the space port, again, several \'phone calls were made. Quatre contacting Rashid to ensure that Toby and Benny would be looked after and taken to school while they were absent, plus arranging for Rashid to collect Shane and Fayah. Heero had contacted Shane and given him a brief outline of their status, explaining that they had to go into space and sort this mess out. He explained thatle hle he knew that both Shane and F cou could take care of themselves, Rashid would be calling to collect them both as they would be staying with Toby and Benny until he and Duo returned.

Shane detected the severity of the situation in Heero\'s voice and knew better than to protest the arrangement, instead he gave Heero his word that both Fayah and himself would be ready to go by the time Rashid got there and that they would be on their best behavior. Satisfied with the arrangements, Heero clipped the \'phone back his his belt and gave Duo, who was driving a comforting smile.

\"They ain\'t gonna have yer, Heero, so don\'t even think about surrenderin yerself ta this insane bastard.\"

Heero turned his gaze to the road ahead. Despite the conversation in Une\'s office and all the information they had, the soldier in him had kicked in and he couldn\'t ignore it. He knew that Howard had a plan and he trusted Duo when he said that Howard wouldn\'t go off with some half cocked idea that had no chance of success. Underneath it all though, Heero knew in his own heart that if it came down to the wire he would sacrifice himself. It would be far better for them to lose one life than the lives of countless others.

Duo wasn\'t fooled for a minute. He knew how Heero\'s mind worked and that was what worried him. He hoped that whatever Howard had in mind was going to work, if it didn\'t then there was no doubt in his mind that Heero w han hand himself over and that was something that Duo was damned if he would let happen.

Quatre also gazed out the window, he knew that Toby and Benny would be cared for in their absence but he had a sense of foreboding. He rubbed his chest absently as he tried to make sense of the feeling. The unusual gift of his empathy could literally be a pain in the ass at times. While he couldn\'t \'read minds\' or the like his empathy meant he was a little more fine tuned to the emotions of the people around him and people in general. The dull ache in his chest was determined to stay though, despite his efforts to \'tune\' out. He could feel the anxiety, the adrenaline coursing through those around him, just as his own was, but still there was this nagging feeling that all would not go well. He bit his lip and did his best to ignore it, what would happen, would happen and put simply, there wasn\'t a whole damn lot he could do about it!

Feeling his lover\'s unease, Trowa moved a little closer to the blonde, his arm snaking around the slim waist and ear him him a smile of gratitude. He knew better than to ask what was wrong, instead he offered what comfort he could by simply being there.

Punching the familiar number into his cell \'phone, Wufei waited for the call to connect, hoping that Sally hadn\'t retired yet for the evening. He was lucky, she answered by the second ring. Briefly Wufei told her the latest development and their current position. She wasn\'t happy, that he could tell, but being involved with Preventer herself she knew the drill. After assuring the \'onna\' that he wouldn\'t take any unnecessary risks and promising he would contact her with more news once he had any, Wufei disconnected his call.

\"Checking in with the little woman, Wuffy?\" Duo teased, glancing at the Chinese man in the rear vision mirror.

\"I am just informing my wife of my whereabouts and the current state of affairs if that\'s what you mean, Maxwell,\" Wufei snapped, \"And the name is Wufei!\"

\"Okay, okay. How\'s the re-growth?\" Duo snickered.

Wufei began to turn a rather deep shade of red, to the point where Quatre was seriously beginning to wonder if the Chinese man was about to suffer an aneurysm. He hoped not, he really didn\'t feel up to practicing his first aid today.

\"Will you two children please put aside your petty differences and concentrate on the matter at hand?\" Trowa interjected, although his lips quirked slightly as he spoke, belying his amusement.

\"Yes, mom,\" Duo returned.

Wufei opted to stay silent and glower instead.

\"Any idea what Howard may have in mind, Duo?\" Quatre decided to try and change the subject a little and get back on track.

\"Nope, not a clue, Quat, but knowin Howie it\'s gotta be somethin pretty good or else he wouldn\'t have suggested we meet him.\" Duo took a left and sped up slightly.

\"Maxwell, would you please watch your speed, I do not wish to die in a motor vehicle accident,\" Wufei growled.

\"Afraid it won\'t be a fitting death fer a warrior, Wuffles?\" Duo chuckled.

\"Wufei is right, Duo,\" Heero stated. \"We need to arrive in one piece if we are to succeed in this mission.\"

\"Yeah, yeah, don\'t get yer panties in a twist. I\'ll make sure yer all get there okay. Don\'t want yer ta croak it here, not when yer can pop yer clogs in a battle afta all.\"

\"Duo!!\" Quatre admonished from the back seat.

Duo just laughed and carried on maneuvering the car through the streets. He\'d slipped his jesters mask back on again; it was the only way he knew how to cope with the upcoming mission. Making jokes and keeping light hearted had allowed him to hide his real fears during the wars; it had worked back then so why change something that worked?

Minutes later they pulled into the Preventer shuttle port and exited the car. An agent was waiting for them and directed them through the port towards the waiting shuttle. The five climbed on board, Heero automatically taking the pilots seat, Duo next to him as co-pilot. No one objected. Strapping themselves in, Duo secured the door while Heero began the pre flight check, Duo returning and assisting him. Once all was checked and double checked, Heero contacted the tower to acknowledge their flight plan and request take off clearance. The flight plan was confirmed and clearance given. Heero brought the engines to life and began taxiing out of the docking area to the launch ramp and settled the shuttle into position for the take off. The large hooking mechanism that would assist them into launch clunked its attachment to the shuttle\'s belly and the tower confirmed the connection.

\"Preventer shuttle 652 ready for take off,\" Heero spoke into the small microphone attached to his head set.

\"Earth tower to Preventer shuttle 652, you are cleared for take off, engaging catapult launch mechanism. Good luck.\"

\"Roger that, earth tower. Shuttle 652 taking off.,\" Heero responded and pushed the thrusters to full whilst holding the shuttle stationary until the momentum had built up enough. \"Engaging engines now.\"

The engines roar built to a scream, the shuttle shook with the force of the containeergyergy and the five agents prepared for the shock of take off. There was a whirring noise indicating the catapult was ready and Heero released his hold on the shuttle. Assisted by the force of the catapult the small shuttle roared its way along the take off ramp, swooping into an upward arc; the combined forf thf the engines and the catapult shooting it off the end of the ramp and launching into the atmosphere.

Duo grinned. He\'d forgotten just how mind blowing these launches could be. He felt the skin on his face pull back as the G forces hit him and he let go with a whoop of pure joy. Wufei rolled his eyes at the American\'s antics while Quatre gave a big smile; even Trowa\'s usually sedate face sported what passed for a grin.

\"Preventer shuttle 652 has cleared the launch ramp and proceeding along programmed flight path.\" Heero\'s fingers flew over the computer console, the lights flickering as he did so.

\"Preventer shuttle 652, this is the earth tower. All clear on flight path, proceed as programmed. See you when you return, have a pleasant flight.\"

\"Roger that, earth tower. Preventer shuttle 652 proceeding on flight path. Leaving earth atmosphere now.\"

\"Earth tower handing over communications to Preventer tower on L4 X21. Earth tower out.\"

\"Thanks, earth tower, Preventer shuttle 652 out.\"

\"Preventer shuttle 652, this is Preventer tower 4c21. Continue on current heading. Will contact again when closer to docking station.\"

\"Roger that 4c21,\" Heero replied and then checked the shuttle\'s console.

Duo had double checked the monitors, making sure the programmed flight plan corresponded with the print out he had on the clip board. Satisfied that all was well he replaced the clip board in its holder and gazed out the window. The blue of the earth\'s atmosphere was giving way to the inky blackness of space and Duo watched in awe. Although d mad made countless journeys into space he never tired of watching the layers of gasses as they changed in density and frequency. As the blackness invaded his optical system and the stars became vivid sparkling dots so he gave a soft sigh of appreciation.

\"Penny for them?\"

Duo turned to face his lover and smiled. \"I was just thinking how much I love and miss this,\" he replied, his voice holding a certain wistfulness to it.

\"Yeah. Me too,\" came the whispered response.

The end of Duo\'s braid floated past his face and tickled his nose. Duo sneezed and grabbed the errant rope of hair, tucking it firmly down the back of his shirt. \"That is one thing I don\'t miss,\" he chuckled.

Heero raised his hand and cupped his partner\'s cheek, rubbing his thumb over the defined bone and drinking in the sight of his lover. \"Whatever happens, Duo, I want you to know that I love you.\"

The tears began to prickle but Duo shoved them away. \"Yer gonna be fine, Heero; we all are.\" He paused for a moment and then fixed Heero with a steely gaze. \"I love yer too, Heero. When all this is over with I want us ta take a break, yanno, skip town and spend a few days alone, just the two of us, a soft bed and an unlimited supply of lube.\"

Heero snorted, Duo laughed. \"That\'s better, enough of the serious shit, Yuy. There\'s plenty of time fer that when we catches up with Howie, fer now let\'s relax and enjoy the flight.\"

Heero shook his head and then switched on the intercom system so he could converse with the rest of the ex-pilots. \"We have left the earth\'s atmosphere and should rendezvous with Howard on L4 X21 in approximately 3.56 hours.\"

Duo suddenly interrupted. \"The fasten seat belt sign is now off so yer can move around the cabin if yer wish but we do suggest yer keep it fastened while seated otherwise yer will find yerself kissin the shuttle\'s ceiling. Somethin about zero G will do that ta yer. Also the no smoking sign has been extinguished so ya can fag away, but seein as none of yer smokes I guess that\'s a moot point...\"

\"Maxwell!!!\" Wufei growled.

\"The in-flight movie won\'t be shown, mainly \'cause we ain\'t got one and if yer wants dinner then Quatre, our pretty hostess, will be only too happy ta fetch yer a ration pack. Please be aware that should yer needs the bathroom there ple plastic bags...\"

Duo was suddenly silenced in mid sentence and then Heero\'s voice came back over the com system. \"There is a vacancy for anyone interested in co-piloting.\"

Quatre was in hysterics by this stage, Trowa was also laughing, his rich baritone reverberating through the belly of the shuttle while Wufei just sat and shook his head. By Nataku, he didn\'t envy Yuy and his relationship with the braided idiot, one bit. Moments later the door separating the cockpit from the rest of the shuttle opened and Heero floated out, followed by Duo who was firmly gagged with his braid.

\"I suggest that we all get some rest while we can,\" Heero stated flatly. \"The shuttle is on auto pilot and we have around 3 hours before contact with the tower on L4 X21.\"

\"Sounds good to me,\" Quatre responded.

Trowa nodded and released his seatbelt, floating up and taking Quatre by the hand they headed for one of the cabins at the rear of the shuttle. \"I will remain on watch,\" Wufei stated calmly.

\"Yer can rest yanno, Wuffers. The shuttle ain\'t going anywhere other than the programmed flight plan.\" Duo quipped, having managed to escape his *gag*.

Wufei glared at the braided wonder. \"I would prefer to sit in the cockpit and meditate if that is all right with you,\" he snapped.

\"Fine with me.\" Duo turned and gave his lover a lewd look. \"Come on, Heero. Let\'s go get some R and R.\"

Heero shivered and nodded his head. While it might seem they were making light of the situation, in fact nothing was further from the truth. Both men knew the odds against coming out of this encounter in one piece were pretty slim. Sex was a way to relieve the tension, an outlet for their fears and frustrations. \"We will be in cabin 3,\" Heero said and then followed his lover in the direction of said cabin.

Wufei remained silent. He didn\'t deny the other agents their time together, quite the opposite, he wished them all well. If only he had Sally with him... With a soft sigh he went through to the cockpit, turned the artificial gravity on and prepared to meditate for the remainder of the flight.

~ * ~

Une remained at HQ, pacing in her small office. She still didn\'t like the idea, not having all the facts annoyed her but this time there wasn\'t much she could do other than to trust that her agents would keep her informed of the plan that Howard had. If it wasn\'t a good one then heaven knew what they would do, time was running out and frankly so were her ideas for alternative plans. A tentative knock to her door brought a halt to her pacing. \"Enter.\"

A young agent opened the door and stepped carefully inside.

\"Yes?\" Une snapped.

\"Communications has the coordinates for the delivery of the package.\"

\"Right. I\'m on my way.\" Une bit her lip and then turned to the young agent who was still standing there. \"Was there something else?\" She demanded, her voice sharper than she\'d intended it to be.

\"N, …no, Ma\'am.\"

\"Then why are you still here? Inform communications I will be there in a moment.\"

\"Yes, ma\'am.\" The young agent beat a hasty retreat.

Une sighed and reached for her file and pen. \"I sure hope this all comes together,\" she muttered as she left her office, heading for the communications section.

~ * ~

Heero groaned as Duo slipped two fingers inside his heated passage. \"Hurry up, Duo. I need you inside me,\" he moaned.

\"Patience, lover. I\'ll be inside yer soon enough, don\'t want ta hurt yer.\"

Heero moaned louder and pushed himself back against Duo\'s teasing fingers. \"Enough with the patience crap, I want you inside and I want you now.\"

Duo snickered to himself and withdrew his fingers. Retrieving the lube he coated his throbbing cock thoroughly and then tossed the tube aside. He grasped his penis firmly in his hand and spreading Heero\'s cheeks, lined the head up with the entrance to Heero\'s body. He began to press forwards, the tight hole recognizing his familiar length and stretching easily to accommodate him. Once seated in the warm, moistness of Heero\'s channel, Duo paused to regain his control and then withdrew a little before plunging completely back in. \"Oh, fuck! So tight,\" he groaned.

Heero had the mattress in a death grip. He was on his hands and knees, chest lowered almost to the small bed while his ass was high in the air, Duo kneeling behind him and beginning to build a rhythm. As Duo found his prostate so Heero buried his face into the pillow in an attempt to muffle his screams of bliss.

\"Ohh..... shit,\" Duo moaned. He grasped Heero\'s hips to hold his lover steady and began to pound into the compliant sheath, eyes fixated on theirnt ont of joining, the visual stimulation traveling to his already over stimulated cock. His balls slapped against Heero\'s ass and it was with conscious effort that he managed to reach underneath his partner and fist Heero\'s leaking cock.

Moaning louder, Heero abandoned the pillow and all attempts to remain quiet. He was thoroughly enjoying being made love to, whether Duo took him hard and fast or gentle and slow, Heero still loved it. Duo was pounding into him now, practically nailing him to the mattress but Heero didn\'t mind. He needed it hard and fast. Somehow it managed to soothe him and settle his mind and body for the events to come. The rough jerking of his shaft added to the mix and Heero knew his release was not far away.

The channel rippled against the skin of his length as Duo sought to drive himself deeper into Heero\'s body. His eyes closed and ht hit his lip as pleasure rolled over and through him. No matter how many times they made love, regardless of whether he was top or bottom, Duo could not get enough of the overwhelming sensations that being with the one you love evoked. The ache in his balls turned to a slow burn as the puddle of desire began to increase in his gut and he redoubled his efforts in an attempt to bring Heero over the edge before him.

With a keening wail, Heero found the edf thf the precipice and fell over. Warm jets of milky fluid spilled from his penis, coating Duo\'s hand and dripping to the sheets below. His arms trembled and body shook with the force of his orgasm. He felt his ass tighten around Duo\'s cock and he moaned with the extra stimulation.

As the wetness of Heero\'s cum dribbled over his hand and the passage tightened around his shaft so Duo let himself take the fall into nirvana. His seed tore through him, erupting in spasms to be swallowed by Heero\'s thirsty body, the greedy channel sucking every drop from him and wanting more. He shuddered and collapsed onto Heero\'s back, letting the ripples course through him.

\"Oh fuck, Duo. That was...\"

\"I agree.\"

\"Rest?\"

\"Good idea.\" Duo rolled off his lover\'s back and lay staring at the ceiling, neither one of them having the energy to clean themselves up.

~ * ~

\"Was that Heero\'s scream?\" Quatre asked around the penis that was currently occupying his mouth.

\"Uh, hummmmm....\"

\"I never would have thought he\'d be so vocal.\"

Trowa released Quatre\'s cock from his mouth with an audible pop. \"Who cares whether Heero is vocal or not, the only screams I want to hear are yours, my love. Now please...\"

\"Sorry,\" Quatre grinned and then lowered his mouth once more. He worked his tongue and lips over the full length of Trowa\'s shaft, knowing just how to pleasure his love from years of practice. Soon he had Trowa reduced to a mess of incoherent words and frustrated moans.

Groaning deeply as his cock was sucked in Quatre\'s very talented mouth, Trowa returned the pleasure. His tongue wriggling and teasing Quatre\'s length just as his own was being tortured. It didn\'t take long and with a grunt Trowa\'s body stiffened, his back bowing as he found his completion.

As his lover\'s seed hit the back of his throat so Quatre swallowed rapidly, his own hips still pumping carefully in to Trowa\'s moist cavern.

As Trowa\'s orgasm subsided so his mind returned to the stiff length still within his lips and began to suck enthusiastically. Moments later his hard work was rewarded and hot seed filled his mouth. Eagerly he drank it down, licking over the softening head, determined to draw the last droplets from the spent organ.

Moaning quietly, Quatre allowed the last ripples of his orgasm leave him before turning and snuggling into warm arms. \"I think a short nap is in order.\"

\"Definitely. Heero will wake us before we arrive at our destination point.\"

\"Mmmm...\" Quatre burrowed deeper into his lovers arms and closed his eyes. His body still thrummed with not only the pleasure of their \'lovemaking\' but also with the adrenaline that only a mission could incite. Moments later he was as.
.

Emerald eyes softened and ruby lips kissed the golden halo of h \"I \"I love you, Quatre,\" Trowa whispered softly. A soft grunt and slight shift of body were his answer. A smile playing over his lips, Trowa joined his partner in slumber.

~ * ~

Heero\'s eyes blinked open, his internal clock telling him he had been asleep for two hours. They had another fifteen minutes before the Preventer tower would be contacting them with the coordinates to adjust their flight plan so as to bring them in to dock. He shifted slightly; his left leg had fallen asleep, mainly because Duo was spread over it, somehow tangling his own legs and hair around Heero. Heero smiled but didn\'t move. He knew Duo would be awake very shortly but he just wanted to savor this moment, burn the image of the sleeping angel into his mind should things go wrong.

Duo stirred, feeling Heero\'s heart rate increase incrementally. His sleepy violet eyes opened and he peeked up through his bangs. \"Hey, lover,\" he whispered.

Heero lowered his lips and stole a s kis kiss. \"We need to clean up a bit and get back to the cockpit.\"

\"I hate ta tell yer this, Yuy but I already been in the cock-pit,\" Duo snickered.

Heero went a rather fetching shade of red. \"Duo!\"

Duo just grinned more and proceeded to leave the bed, stretching as he did so. He turned and looking over his shoulder gave his lover a saucy wink. \"What\'cha standin there fer, Yuy? We got ourselves a rendezvous to attend.\"

Heero rolled his eyes and gave featfeated sigh, picking up his boxers from the floor he slipped them over his hips and followed his lover out the door and in the direction of the small bathroom. Five minutes later they were both cleaned up and dressed, Duo quickly rebraiding his hair as they headed back to the cockpit. Duo paused at the door of cabin 1 and banged loudly on it. \"Rise and shine, lovebirds. It\'s time ta go screw some other bastard,\" he chirped.

\"Baka!\" Heero thwapped him across the back of the head. Duo just continued to grin.

Moments later they reached the cockpit where Wufei was still in residence, having enjoyed his time in quiet meditation. His dark eyes turned to the pair and he nodded to Heero as he moved out of the way, allowing Heero to slip back into the pilots seat and pick up the head set. Duo plonked himself down in the other seat, also putting his head set on. Behind them came the sounds of Trowa and Quatre entering the seating area of the shuttle.

\"Preventer shuttle 652, this is Preventer tower 4c21. Do you copy?\"

\"Preventer tower 4c21 this is Preventer shuttle 652. Go ahead please.\"

\"Wee yoe you on our radar and will guide you in to dock at by 69.\"

Duo snickered, Heero glared, Quatre and Trowa stayed silent.

\"Roger that tower 4c21.\"

\"Follow your current trajectory until you hit 46 degrees latitude, 28 degrees longitude, then turn left by 6 degrees.\"

\"Roger that.\"

Duo quickly punched in the new calculations and the shuttle proceeded on its path.

\"Preventer shuttle 652, follow the current heading fhreehree minutes, you should be able to see the docking bay doors then.\"

\"Preventer shuttle 652 to tower 4c21, can see docking bay now.\"

Trowa, Quatre and Wufei all moved back into their seats and belted up, leaving Heero and Duo to bring the shuttle in to the port.

Heero maneuvered the thrusters, changing the angle of the shuttle slightly as he approached the large open doors. The shuttle passed easily in-between them and Heero touched down with minimal fuss.

\"Proceed along the yellow marked lines to sub port 6.\"

\"Roger that.\" Heero guided the craft along the metal flooring and past several other shuttles docked in side ports until he saw the clear, red 6. He turned the shuttle and eased it along to bay 69, pulling to a smooth stop.

\"Welcome to Colony L4 X21. Commander Une has informed us of your mission status. A vehicle is awaiting you to transport you to the requested area.\"

\"Arigato. Preventer shuttle 652 out.\" Heero removed his head set and tossed it to the console, Duo following suit. They unbuckled their seat belts and headed out of the cockpit, the other three already having opened the hatch and awaiting their presence. \"Let\'s get going.\"

They grabbed their respective bags and exited the shuttle, walking across the small expanse of the sub port to where a car was waiting for them. The driver jumped out and saluted. \"Agent Light?\"

Heero nodded.

\"Commander Une has asked me to drive you and the other agents to the rendezvous point.\"

The five agents climbed into the vehicle and were on their way. The young agent driving expertly through the maze of the shuttle port and stopping after five minutes of travel beside a small, blue shuttle. Howard stood at the ramp awaiting them. The five piled out, Duo immediately enveloping Howard in a hug.

\"Howie! Great ta see yer again.\"

Howard smiled, his sunglasses flashing in the artificial light as he returned the embrace. \"Good to see you too, Duo. I only wish it were under better circumstances.\"

Heero and the rest of the group waited patiently until Howard and Duo had said their hellos, then Heero moved in and shook Howard\'s hand. \"Good to see you, Howard.\"

\"You too, Heero.\" Howard released the Japanese man\'s hand and took Wufei\'s. \"Chang,\" he said. \"How\'s married life treating you?\"

Wufei bowed slightly as he shook hands. \"Married life is treating me well. Thank you for asking.\"

Trowa and Quatre were next, exchanging handshakes and polite greetings. When everyone had re made their acquaintances Howard led them into the shuttle. \"We need to get back out to the Zodiac, there I will give you the plan I have in mind, I\'ll outline my proposal to you all and see what you think. If you agree with it then all that remains is to thrash out the final details.\" Howard belted himself into the pilot\'s seat, Duo automatically slotting in next to him. The rest of the men took up residence in the remaining few seats. Obtaining his clearance, Howard maneuvered the shuttle out of its dock and along the short track to the main exit *runway*.

Moments later they were speeding along the runway and out into space. \"We will join the Zodiac in a few minutes, she\'s too big to dock there which is why I\'m using this baby.\" True to his word, the Zodiac appeared in the small shuttle\'s windows within a few minutes. Howard expertly guided the craft through the open cargo doors and set her down gently, the doors closing behind them. Once the doors were firmly shut it was a matter of seconds before the cargo hold was re pressurized and they could exit the shuttle.

\"I don\'t mean to rush you, Howard, but could you please inform us of this plan you have? Time isn\'t something we have a lot of,\" Quatre asked, the concern edged into his voice.

\"No problem, Quatre,\" Howard replied. \"If you will follow me.\" The group followed Howard along the catwalk and out of the cargo bay where Howard turned, still in the belly of the big ship and headed for another cargo bay.

\"Firstly I intend to take the Zodiac as close to the rebel target as possible.\"

Five sets of eyebrows quirked. \"And how do you propose to do that without being detected?\" Wufei asked.

\"Umm... Howie, din\'cha see the vid broadcast? I mean, this guy has some serious fire power out there and the Zodiac ain\'t exactly the USS Enterprise. I think yer been watchin too many re-runs.\"

\"Duo\'s right. This mad man has mobile dolls and we\'re lucky to be able to scrounge up a couple of laser rifles. It would be like fighting a raging bull with nothing but toothpicks.\" Trowa added.

Howard just turned and smiled at them. \"Listen carefully, all ye of little faith.\"

\"Oh great! Now he\'s sprouting religious shit at us. Howie, yer sure yer ain\'t been too close ta the sun lately?\" Duo said, his hands on his hips.

\"Would I send you all into the lion’s den without proper preparation?\" Howard smirked at them and then turned to the cargo bay doors he\'d stopped at. He pushed a button and the doors slid open. The five men leaned forwards and craned their necks to see what was inside.

\"Holy fuck!\" Duo\'s jaw hit the ground.

\"I second that,\" Heero responded as his eyes grew wide.

\"In the name of Nataku, what the fuck is this?\"

\"Shit! Now that\'s what I call a surprise.\" Trowa stated, both eyes beco vis visible so as he could take in the contents easier.

\"Well, I\'ll cross the desert on a dead camel!\" Quatre turned to Howard. \"How the..?\"

Howard stepped inside, motioning for the five to follow him. Standing proud in the cargo bay were four completed Gundams; and one nearly finished. With a smile Howard gestured to the suits one by one and spoke, making the introductions.

Howard pointed to the silver and blue suit. \"Heero, meet Eagle One.\" He turned and geed ted to the Black and silver suit. \"Duo, this is Grim Reaper.\"

\"Oh, man!\" Duo was nearly wetting himself with excitement; the suit was very similar to his beloved Deathcythe.

\"Trowa, this is Hercules.\" Howard motioned to the red and black suit. \"Unfortunately Desert Storm isn\'t quite complete yet, Quatre,\" Howard continued as he pointed to the nearly completed yellow and black suit.

Indicating towards the blue, green and silver suit that stood at the end of the row Howard turned to Wufei. \"And last but not least, Wufei meet.... Puff.\"

Silence filled the cargo bay. Seconds later a soft snickering broke the quiet.

~ * ~

tbc.....

¨ x